Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Blasphemy » Instances of » The early Christians, persecuted by saul of tarsus, compelled to blaspheme the name of jesus
And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities.
who was before a blasphemer and a persecutor and injurious, but I was received unto mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
Courts of justice » Sometimes held in synagogues
And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities.
But keep yourselves from men, for they will deliver you up in councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and in every synagogue beat those that believed on thee;
For if a man with a gold ring and in precious apparel comes into your synagogue and a poor person in vile raiment also comes in,
Defense » Of paul
Then Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. And the prince of the priests, Ananias, commanded those that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then Paul said unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whitewashed wall, for dost thou sit to judge me after the law and command me to be smitten contrary to the law? read more.
And those that stood by said, Dost thou revile God's high priest? Then Paul said, I did not know, brethren, that he was the prince of the priests, for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, and of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
And those that stood by said, Dost thou revile God's high priest? Then Paul said, I did not know, brethren, that he was the prince of the priests, for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, and of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
Then Paul, after the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself; because thou art able to understand that there have been but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city, read more.
neither can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call a sect, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets, and have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And for this reason do I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offense toward God and toward men. Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation and offerings. Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult, who ought to have been here before thee and object if they had anything against me. Or else let these same here say if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, except it be for this one voice, that I cried out standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead, I am called in question by you this day.
neither can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call a sect, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets, and have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And for this reason do I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offense toward God and toward men. Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation and offerings. Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult, who ought to have been here before thee and object if they had anything against me. Or else let these same here say if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, except it be for this one voice, that I cried out standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead, I am called in question by you this day.
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand and answered for himself: I esteem myself blessed, King Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee concerning all the things of which I am accused of the Jews, especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews; therefore, I beseech thee to hear me patiently. read more.
My manner of life from my youth, which from the beginning was among my own nation at Jerusalem, is known of all the Jews, who knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most perfect sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers; unto which promise our twelve tribes, constantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you that God should raise the dead? I verily had thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which things I also did in Jerusalem, and I shut up many of the saints in prison, having received authority from the princes of the priests, and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities. Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the princes of the priests, at midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and those who journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me? It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou dost persecute. But rise and stand upon thy feet, for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen and of those things in which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive remission of sins and inheritance among those who are sanctified by the faith that is in me. Whereupon, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision, but I announced first unto those of Damascus and at Jerusalem and throughout all the coasts of Judaea and then to the Gentiles that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple and went about to kill me. Having, therefore, obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said should come: that the Christ should suffer and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead and should show light unto this people and to the Gentiles.
My manner of life from my youth, which from the beginning was among my own nation at Jerusalem, is known of all the Jews, who knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most perfect sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers; unto which promise our twelve tribes, constantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you that God should raise the dead? I verily had thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which things I also did in Jerusalem, and I shut up many of the saints in prison, having received authority from the princes of the priests, and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities. Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the princes of the priests, at midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and those who journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me? It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou dost persecute. But rise and stand upon thy feet, for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen and of those things in which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive remission of sins and inheritance among those who are sanctified by the faith that is in me. Whereupon, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision, but I announced first unto those of Damascus and at Jerusalem and throughout all the coasts of Judaea and then to the Gentiles that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple and went about to kill me. Having, therefore, obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said should come: that the Christ should suffer and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead and should show light unto this people and to the Gentiles.
Evil » Zeal » Against » Manifested by evil men in pursuing their plans
concerning zeal, a persecutor of the congregation ; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities.
To complete the evil with their hands, the prince demands, and the judge judges for a reward; and the great man speaks the desires of his heart: and they confirm it.
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in Judaism, how that beyond measure I was persecuting and destroying the congregation of God
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more a son of hell than yourselves.
Paul » His vision and conversion
Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord?
And last of all he appeared unto me also, as of one born out of due time.
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, for he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, who was before a blasphemer and a persecutor and injurious, but I was received unto mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in Judaism, how that beyond measure I was persecuting and destroying the congregation of God
And as he proceeded, he came near Damascus; and suddenly there shone round about him a light from heaven; and falling to the earth, he heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I AM Jesus whom thou dost persecute; it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. read more.
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what it behooves thee to do. And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing indeed the voice, but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the earth; and opening his eyes, he saw no one; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus where he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; to whom the Lord said in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise and go into the street which is called Straight and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus; for, behold, he prays and has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, of how much evil he has done to thy saints in Jerusalem, and even here he has authority from the princes of the priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go; for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much it behooves him to suffer for my name. Then Ananias went and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared unto thee in the way as thou didst come, has sent me, that thou might receive thy sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales; and he received sight immediately and arose and was baptized. And when he had received food, he was comforted. Then Saul was certain days with the disciples who were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed and said, Is not this he that destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem and came here for that intent that he might bring them bound unto the princes of the priests? But Saul increased the more in strength and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what it behooves thee to do. And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing indeed the voice, but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the earth; and opening his eyes, he saw no one; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus where he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; to whom the Lord said in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise and go into the street which is called Straight and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus; for, behold, he prays and has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, of how much evil he has done to thy saints in Jerusalem, and even here he has authority from the princes of the priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go; for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much it behooves him to suffer for my name. Then Ananias went and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared unto thee in the way as thou didst come, has sent me, that thou might receive thy sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales; and he received sight immediately and arose and was baptized. And when he had received food, he was comforted. Then Saul was certain days with the disciples who were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed and said, Is not this he that destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem and came here for that intent that he might bring them bound unto the princes of the priests? But Saul increased the more in strength and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.
And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the prince of the priests bears me witness, and all the estate of the elders, from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring those who were bound there unto Jerusalem to be punished. And it came to pass that, as I made my journey and was come near unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. read more.
And I fell unto the ground and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me? And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I Am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou dost persecute. And those that were with me saw indeed the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of him that spoke to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise and go into Damascus, and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. And when I could not see for the clarity of that light, being led by the hand of those that were with me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good witness of all the Jews who dwelt there, came unto me and stood and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers has chosen thee that thou should know his will and see that Just One and should hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. And it came to pass that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a rapture of understanding and saw him saying unto me, Make haste and go quickly out of Jerusalem, for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and in every synagogue beat those that believed on thee;
And I fell unto the ground and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me? And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I Am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou dost persecute. And those that were with me saw indeed the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of him that spoke to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise and go into Damascus, and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. And when I could not see for the clarity of that light, being led by the hand of those that were with me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good witness of all the Jews who dwelt there, came unto me and stood and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers has chosen thee that thou should know his will and see that Just One and should hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. And it came to pass that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a rapture of understanding and saw him saying unto me, Make haste and go quickly out of Jerusalem, for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and in every synagogue beat those that believed on thee;
I verily had thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which things I also did in Jerusalem, and I shut up many of the saints in prison, having received authority from the princes of the priests, and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities. read more.
Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the princes of the priests, at midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and those who journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me? It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou dost persecute.
Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the princes of the priests, at midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and those who journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me? It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou dost persecute.
Persecution » Originates in » Mistaken zeal
But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women and the principals of the city and raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them out of their borders.
I verily had thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which things I also did in Jerusalem, and I shut up many of the saints in prison, having received authority from the princes of the priests, and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities.
Synagogue » Primarily an assembly of jews and God-fearers » Had powers » Of criminal courts
Therefore, behold, I send unto you prophets and wise men and scribes, and some of them ye shall kill and crucify, and some of them ye shall scourge in your synagogues and persecute them from city to city,
And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities.
But keep yourselves from men, for they will deliver you up in councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and in every synagogue beat those that believed on thee;
Synagogues » General references to
And when they bring you unto the synagogues and unto magistrates and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer or what ye shall say;
And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities.
But keep yourselves from men, for they will deliver you up in councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
They shall put you out of the synagogues, and the hour will even come when whosoever kills you will think that he does God service.
These words spoke his parents because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone did confess that he was the Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
Zeal » Evil » Manifested by evil men in pursuing their plans
concerning zeal, a persecutor of the congregation ; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities.
To complete the evil with their hands, the prince demands, and the judge judges for a reward; and the great man speaks the desires of his heart: and they confirm it.
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in Judaism, how that beyond measure I was persecuting and destroying the congregation of God
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more a son of hell than yourselves.